Melinda Hammond by Highclough Lady Page A

She was in no way put out to realize that they considered her a rather insignificant addition to their party. The lack of attention suited her very well, and while enjoying the excellent supper, she took the opportunity to observe Miss Charlotte Wetherby. She was a handsome young woman, possibly a year or two older than Miss Shore, and where Verity's soft brown hair was caught up in a simple green ribbon, Miss Wetherby's golden curls tumbled from a diamond-studded topknot and danced about her shoulders. Her dress of white satin was deceptively simple and probably cost more than the Highclough ladies had spent on both their gowns.
     Mrs Wetherby, a formidable matron in a burgundy gown and turban, both lavishly decorated with garnets, was graciously complimenting Mr Bannerman on the success of the evening and as her daughter was engaged in echoing these sentiments, Verity had nothing to do but enjoy her meal. She was just laying down her fork when Miss Wetherby addressed her.
     'I understand, Miss Shore, that you were a governess.'
     'Why yes.' She noted Miss Wetherby's look of condescension and added gently: 'It is an occupation considered fitting for impoverished young ladies.'
     Miss Wetherby recoiled visibly at this, and her mama gave a thin smile.
     'As Mistress of Highclough you will no doubt be thankful that episode is in the past, Miss Shore.'
     'Well, one hopes so,' replied Verity with deceptive sweetness. 'However, I will only inherit Highclough if I am found to be a fit and proper person, and I believe the trustees are not yet convinced….'
     'Miss Shore is very fond of levity.' Mr Bannerman interrupted her, a warning in his glance.
     'You must forgive dear Charlotte's curiosity, Miss Shore,' remarked Mrs Wetherby. 'My daughter has never had the need to contemplate such a life.'
     'Indeed?' replied Verity. 'She is most fortunate.'
     'I think it might be rather entertaining,' Miss Wetherby continued, 'to look after dear little children, and to make them mind one.'
     Verity smiled. 'Cast your mind back to your own schooldays, Miss Wetherby. Can you truthfully say that you behaved well for your governess?'
     'High spirits are only to be expected,' declared Mrs Wetherby, casting a fond glance at her daughter. 'A good governess will have no difficulty with that.'
     'Not with the children, perhaps,' muttered Verity. Beneath the table she felt Mr Bannerman's foot press down upon her toes but when she looked up he met her gaze with a bland smile as he said, 'I think you would agree Miss Shore, that you are fortunate to be able to give up that role?'
      'Most fortunate, sir!'
     Mrs Wetherby smiled complacently, unaware of the dangerous sparkle in Verity's eyes. 'My dear Miss Shore, you are far too young to have much experience. When dear Charlotte was in need of a governess I chose a much older female to school her, one unlikely to be distracted from her duties.'
     'One unlikely to be seduced by the master,' murmured Verity, wincing as she again felt the pressure of Mr Bannerman's foot while the gentleman smoothly addressed Mrs Wetherby.
     'I am informed, ma'am, that Miss Shore was most a proficient teacher. When I tracked her down she had the schooling of three lively children at a house in Cromford –'
     'Hah, Cromford you say?' Mr Wetherby jerked awake. 'I thought you went there to look at the new mills, Bannerman?'
     'Yes. I was invited to visit there, and I took a young engineer with me - James Marsden. He is staying on to study Arkwright's methods, with a view to implementing them for me here. It was a fortunate coincidence that Miss Shore was living in the area.'
     But Mr Wetherby was not interested in Miss Shore.
     'Well sir, will it work, d'you think? Using these infernal machines for spinning?'
     'Yes, I think it might.' Mr Bannerman pushed his plate away. 'The machines never stop, you see. The workforce is divided into two shifts, and the lights blaze from the mill throughout the night. Such